When it comes to movies, often the visuals, the storyline, or the acting are not those which make our hearts stop; more frequently, it's the soundtrack that creates a memory. A great soundtrack can take you somewhere else, stir emotions, and create lifetime memories.
From epically orchestrated scores to pop hits that just wouldn't quit, movie soundtracks have been an integral part of cinematic history. Now it's your turn to decide in the ultimate debate: What is the best movie soundtrack of all time?
From epically orchestrated scores to pop hits that just wouldn't quit, movie soundtracks have been an integral part of cinematic history. Now it's your turn to decide in the ultimate debate: What is the best movie soundtrack of all time?
There's a reason soundtracks remain so well-appreciated, after all. In the following selection, we detail a few of the most iconic soundtracks from different eras, genres, and styles.
And of course, you can always have your say about which soundtrack you think should top the list after reading. Whether you're into sweeping orchestral scores, rock anthems, or pop classics, something here will suit the tastes of every kind of music lover.
And of course, you can always have your say about which soundtrack you think should top the list after reading. Whether you're into sweeping orchestral scores, rock anthems, or pop classics, something here will suit the tastes of every kind of music lover.
Why Soundtracks Matter
Soundtracks are the heart of the movie, creating mood, building drama, and setting tone. A good soundtrack can make the difference between a good scene and an unforgettable one; hence, it is an essential element of storytelling. For example, were it not for the voicing of Celine Dion as she sang "My Heart Will Go On," the movie "Titanic" would just be a tearfully sad film. Or would "Jurassic Park" have pulled off the wonder without the grand score by John Williams? Soundtracks really define a movie just as much as any other aspect of the film. Classic soundtracks live long after the film itself has faded.
Classic
Timeless Classics
We are taking a trip through some of the most timeless and influential soundtracks to grace the big screen:
1. "The Lion King" (1994) - Hans Zimmer & Elton John
There are few soundtracks more evocative of nostalgia than in "The Lion King." From the uplifting "Circle of Life" to the light-hearted "Hakuna Matata," each song narrated a part of the movie or brought out its character.
Strong African rhythms put together with unforgettable melodies from Elton John made this soundtrack instantly classic, and it swept numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
Strong African rhythms put together with unforgettable melodies from Elton John made this soundtrack instantly classic, and it swept numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
2. **"Titanic" (1997) - James Horner
Of the soundtracks, James Horner's "Titanic" perhaps came closest to capturing the cultural zeitgeist. Romance, tragedy, and the epic scope of it all can be carried through with this soundtrack alone, and the single "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion took over the international scene. This is still a hauntingly beautiful song that can move a worldwide fan base today, further cementing the soundtrack as one of the greats.
3. The Trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" (2001-2003)-Howard Shore
In epic fantasy, there frankly isn't a bigger score than what Howard Shore did with the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. It's powerful and evocative, and cultures and themes in Middle-earth mesh perfectly.
From the haunting melody of "The Shire" to the more intense "The Bridge of Khazad-Dûm," each song sews a picture filled with impulse within the universe created by J.R.R. Tolkien. This soundtrack is a yardstick with which all epic fantasy movies should be measured.
From the haunting melody of "The Shire" to the more intense "The Bridge of Khazad-Dûm," each song sews a picture filled with impulse within the universe created by J.R.R. Tolkien. This soundtrack is a yardstick with which all epic fantasy movies should be measured.
4. "Guardians of the Galaxy" - Various Artists
"Guardians of the Galaxy" really reinvented the wheel as far as movie soundtracks go with a compilation of '70s and '80s rock and pop hits. Every track that played in this movie was hand-picked by the movie's director, James Gunn, to be used in the movie. That would make this soundtrack almost a character in the movie.
A song like "Hooked on a Feeling" and "Come and Get Your Love" introduced the track to younger crowds that may have never heard of the older classics, thus placing this album at the top of the charts.
A song like "Hooked on a Feeling" and "Come and Get Your Love" introduced the track to younger crowds that may have never heard of the older classics, thus placing this album at the top of the charts.
5. "Purple Rain" ive notes (1984) - Prince
Not only an iconic soundtrack but a quite literally legendary one. The album "Purple Rain" by Prince took something of a gray line between a movie score and a full-fledged rock album.
It was accorded multi-platinum status, with hits like "When Doves Cry" and the unforgettable title song "Purple Rain," which made Prince certainly go down in history as a musical genius. But it has remained one of the highest-selling soundtracks of all time, proof that a movie soundtrack can be a masterpiece unto itself.
It was accorded multi-platinum status, with hits like "When Doves Cry" and the unforgettable title song "Purple Rain," which made Prince certainly go down in history as a musical genius. But it has remained one of the highest-selling soundtracks of all time, proof that a movie soundtrack can be a masterpiece unto itself.
Honorable Mentions
The list of great movie soundtracks goes on and on, but the following names should at least be mentioned:
- "Star Wars"(1977) - John Williams: The opening theme alone deserves mention for the chills it sends down your spine.
- "Pulp Fiction", Various Artists (1994): An idiosyncratic and edgy album fusing rock, surf, and soul.
- "La La Land", Justin Hurwitz (2016): A love letter to the classic musical with a modern twist.
- Frozen - Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez: You may love it, you may hate it, but one thing you can't do is shy away from the huge impact that has come from "Let It Go".
Voting for the best soundtrack in film history is never going to be easy. Most times, this tends to come with personal taste, memories associated with the film, and what the music did to move and affect the movie industry as a whole. Keep these questions in mind as you vote from this list below:
- Does the music enhance telling the story and emotion in the film?
- The soundtrack, in itself: can it be memorable without the images of the movie?
- Influence: did this soundtrack influence other movies or music trends?
- Relate: how do you relate to the music?
Vote!
Now that you've seen a few of the entrants, it's time to have your say. Vote for a movie soundtrack you think should be considered the best of all time: Is it an epic orchestral score? A playlist filled with rock anthems? A soulful batch of ballads? Whatever it is, let us know!
Get in the comment & Vote depends on your mind thinking, What u got up there!
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